While welcome, the forthcoming exfiltration of Americans from Iranian custody also demonstrates the ease with which the United States is extorted by hostile foreign powers under this administration. As Senator Jim Risch observed, the release of these funds “dangerously further incentivizes hostage taking.” …

But a trend has become clear: America is easily blackmailed because its citizens abroad are ripe targets. The precedent this White House is establishing is one we will come to regret.

[I’d say we’re already regretting it, as the precedent set in the Bowe Bergdahl swap with the Taliban revealed our lack of discernment on incentives a decade or so ago. Countries like Russia, Iran, and others took notice of that lack of intestinal fortitude and have calculated policies that respond to the incentives we set. — Ed]